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Catalog 2024-2025

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Art

The West Valley College Art Department offers a comprehensive curriculum of courses including art appreciation, art history, art history online, computer art and animation, two and three dimensional design, drawing, figure drawing, painting, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Art Department curriculum accommodates students with various goals and levels of experience. The Art Department faculty facilitates a supportive, creative learning environment where all students may explore their interests: transfer to four-year institutions and priority art schools or career options listed below. Instructional emphasis is placed on

  • the fundamental principles of art;
  • developing technical skills and good craftsmanship; and
  • exploring creativity and self-expression.
Art students are given the opportunity to participate in scheduled exhibitions of student work in the West Valley College Art Gallery.

Degrees and Certificates

Degree or Certificate ProgramAward TypeRequirements
Studio Arts Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer 60 units
Art History Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer 60 units
Portfolio Development in Studio Arts Certificate of Achievement 24 - 27 units

ART: For transfer information see assist.org and/or consult with a counselor.

The Faculty

Kathy Arnold
Heidi Brueckner
Jason Challas
Christopher Cryer
Mitra Fabian
Dan Fenstermacher
Ron Guzman
Cynthia Napoli-Abella Reiss

Highlights

  • West Valley College Art Gallery
  • Annual student exhibition for transfers and graduates with industry portfolio reviews
  • Fine Art Computer lab
  • Integrated learning opportunities in Fine Arts – Art, Music, Theater Arts, Film
  • Professional teaching faculty who actively produce and exhibit their artwork
  • Lost-wax, ceramic shell, bronze casting facility
  • Opportunities to explore artistic expression in a wide variety of media
  • Faculty scheduled trips to museums and galleries
  • Focused workshops for community artists
  • Educational travel abroad opportunities

Career Options

  • Art Conservator
  • Art Criticism
  • Art Curator
  • Art Director
  • Art Education/Teaching
  • Art Librarian
  • Art Publishing/Journalism
  • Art Therapist
  • Arts Administration
  • Business
  • Computer Animator
  • Computer Art /Graphics
  • Fine Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Museum/Gallery Professional
  • Photographer
  • Restoration
  • Visual Resources Curator
Note: Some career options require more than two years of college study.
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